Description
Mini Pineapple Upside-Down Cheesecakes combine the classic tropical flavor of pineapple upside-down cake with creamy cheesecake, creating perfectly portioned, visually stunning desserts ideal for parties, potlucks, or personal indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Topping:
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 12 pineapple rings (canned or fresh)
- 12 maraschino cherries
Crust:
- 1 cup crushed graham crackers
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Muffin Tin:
Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners or grease lightly. - Create the Topping:
Melt brown sugar and butter in a saucepan over low heat until combined. Spoon about 1 tsp of the mixture into each muffin cup. Add a pineapple ring, cutting to fit, and place a maraschino cherry in the center. - Make the Crust:
Combine crushed graham crackers, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until texture resembles wet sand. Press a spoonful firmly over the pineapple layer in each muffin cup. - Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add sour cream, vanilla extract, and eggs one at a time, mixing gently to avoid air bubbles. - Assemble Cheesecakes:
Divide the cheesecake batter evenly, filling muffin cups almost to the top. Tap the pan lightly to remove air bubbles. - Bake:
Bake for 20–25 minutes, until centers are set but slightly jiggly. Cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer to the refrigerator. - Chill and Serve:
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. Remove from tin, flip upside-down to display the topping, and serve chilled.
Notes
- Variations:
- Swap graham crackers for vanilla wafers or gluten-free cookies.
- Use fresh pineapple or experiment with other fruits like mangoes or peaches.
- Add coconut extract for a tropical twist.
- Storage:
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freeze individually wrapped cheesecakes for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge overnight.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill time: 4 Hours minimum
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Mini cheesecakes, pineapple upside-down dessert, tropical cheesecake, party desserts, easy cheesecake recipe